And You, Why Are You Black?, Rubén H. Bermúdez

And You, Why Are You Black? is an open, personal and collective archive of the construction of Blackness as a political force in Spain. The project comes to life from a process of decolonisation, unpacking the racism behind the question that everyone the artist meets asks: “If you were born in Spain, why are you black?”.

Starting from an investigation into the origins of Spanish black slavery, Rubén Bermúdez reconstructs an autobiographical narrative that serves as a political essay on the history of African culture in the West. Taking inspiration from his memory of the images, conversations and symbols that have marked his life, the artist recalls some of the everyday and out-of-the-ordinary events as seen from a Black perspective.

(Text: Manuel Segade, Director, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid)

A book launch will accompany the exhibition, to celebrate a new edition of Bermúdez’s photobook, now expanded into three languages: English, Spanish, and French. More information available at 2023.photoireland.org

Published by Phree and Conciencia Afro
3rd Edition
Softcover
240 pages
160 x 120 mm
ISBN 9788412669527/34/41